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Updated: Apr 30, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Scaling Microalgal Biotechnology for Enhanced Biomethane Production
Published on: March 22, 2024
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Biodiesel production by microalgae cultivated using permeate from membrane bioreactors in continuous system
Siok Ling Low1, Say Leong Ong1, How Yong Ng1
1Centre for Water Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1 Engineering Drive 2, 117576, Singapore E mail: howyongng@nus.edu.sg.
Summary
Hydraulic retention times (HRTs) in submerged ceramic membrane photobioreactors (SCMPBRs) did not significantly impact microalgal lipid content or biodiesel quality. Optimal HRT can be determined by nutrient removal and membrane fouling considerations.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Microalgae are a promising source for sustainable biodiesel production.
- Submerged ceramic membrane photobioreactors (SCMPBRs) offer potential for efficient microalgal cultivation.
- Hydraulic retention time (HRT) is a critical operational parameter in photobioreactors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different HRTs on microalgal lipid content and biodiesel quality in SCMPBRs.
- To determine the optimal HRT for SCMPBR operation considering lipid production and operational efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of microalgae in three SCMPBRs with varying HRTs for three months.
- Feeding SCMPBRs with permeate from a submerged ceramic membrane bioreactor.
- Analysis of microalgal lipid content, lipid productivity, and fatty acid composition.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in lipid content, lipid productivity, or fatty acid composition were observed across different HRTs.
- Palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were the predominant fatty acids.
- Stearic acid was identified as a minor fatty acid component.
Conclusions:
- HRT has an insignificant effect on microalgal lipid content and fatty acid profiles in SCMPBRs under the tested conditions.
- Optimal HRT for SCMPBRs should be based on maximizing nutrient removal and minimizing membrane fouling.
- Further research can focus on optimizing SCMPBR design for enhanced operational efficiency and biofuel production.
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